Isaac Elementary School District Secures Federal Funding Amid Ongoing Financial Crisis
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Isaac Elementary School District Secures Federal Funding Amid Ongoing Financial Crisis

$6 Million Approved for Payroll Relief, but Teachers Remain Uncertain About Tuesday Paychecks

PHOENIX — The Isaac Elementary School District in Phoenix is set to receive $6 million in federal funding to address its financial crisis, Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne announced Monday.

The funding, part of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) program, was approved by the U.S. Department of Education after a request from Horne’s department. The funds aim to cover the district’s next three payrolls.

“I am very pleased that the U.S. Department of Education has honored the request to release federal Covid relief funds that the Isaac district had previously reverted to the federal government,” Horne said. “Once the county disburses this money, the district will be able to make use of approximately $6 million, granting them more time to work out the significant financial issues they face.”

Despite this development, uncertainty looms. Horne warned that additional measures are needed, including potential property sales and legislative actions, to stabilize the district’s finances. He urged the state legislature to pursue long-term solutions, though it is unclear if the funding will arrive in time for Tuesday’s payroll.

The crisis has left educators and staff questioning whether they will continue working without pay. Marisol Garcia, president of the Arizona Education Association and an Isaac educator, joined teachers, staff, students, and parents for a press conference and march at the Arizona Capitol on Monday.

“No one behind me knows if they are getting paid tomorrow,” Garcia said. When asked if teachers would report to work Wednesday without pay, she responded, “I don’t know.”

Earlier this month, the district was placed under receivership, with a state-appointed receiver assuming control of its finances and operations. The crisis intensified last week when Maricopa County Treasurer John Allen declined to advance additional funds to the district, citing a lack of legal obligation.

The district, which serves approximately 5,200 Pre-K through eighth-grade students across 12 schools, also saw Superintendent Mario Ventura announce his resignation. Ventura stated, “I take full responsibility for my role in decisions and circumstances that led us to this situation… It is my hope with my resignation the district will be able to move forward with renewed clarity and focus.”

As state lawmakers prepare to discuss additional support for the district on Tuesday, teachers, staff, and families are left hoping for swift action to prevent further disruption to schools and student learning.